2 Maccabees 14:1-14

Common English Bible

Alcimus and Nicanor

14 Three years later it was reported to Judas’ followers that Demetrius, Seleucus’ son, had sailed into the harbor at Tripolis with a strong army and a fleet. ² It was also reported that he had taken possession of the country, killing Antiochus and his guardian Lysias. ³ A certain Alcimus, who had become high priest earlier but had willingly defiled himself during the revolt, became aware that he was no longer safe and that he would no longer have access to the holy altar. ⁴ He approached King Demetrius in the year 151,^[a] bringing him a gold crown, a palm tree, and some customary gifts of olive branches from the temple. He kept quiet that day ⁵ but waited for the right opportunity to accomplish his folly. Finally, Demetrius called him into the council to ask him about the condition of the Jews and their frame of mind. He replied, ⁶ “The Jews called Hasideans, whose leader is Judas the Maccabee, maintain a warlike policy and rebel frequently, not permitting the kingdom to have peace. ⁷ Deprived of my ancestral glory—I speak of course of the high priesthood—I have now come here, ⁸ first out of a sincere concern for the king’s interests and second out of regard for my fellow citizens. Through the recklessness of those mentioned earlier, the entire nation is in a state of misfortune. ⁹ But, King, since you have knowledge of these things, take thought for both the country and our oppressed nation with the same generosity you have had for all. ¹⁰ As long as Judas lives, the government is powerless to establish peace.”

¹¹ Alcimus had no sooner finished speaking when the rest of the political advisors,^[b] who strongly disliked Judas, further enraged Demetrius. ¹² Immediately choosing Nicanor the commander of the elephants and appointing him governor of Judea, the king sent him out ¹³ with written orders to kill Judas and scatter those with him, and to install Alcimus as high priest of the greatest temple. ¹⁴ The Judean Gentiles who had fled from Judas joined Nicanor in large numbers, thinking that they would benefit from the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews.